Sago Palm / King Sago Palm
Botanical Name: Cycas revoluta
Family: Cycadaceae
Origin: Southern Japan (Kyushu & Ryukyu Islands)
Plant Type: Evergreen cycad (fern)
Overview
Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm) is a sculptural, low-maintenance statement for South Australian gardens. It forms a symmetrical crown of stiff, glossy, deep-green fronds that flush in warm months, creating instant resort style. Thrives in sunny, well-drained, coastal and Mediterranean sites; perfect for pots, courtyards and feature planting.
Key Features
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Mature Size: 1-2 m H x 1-2 m W (older specimens can slowly exceed this)
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Growth Rate: 5-15 cm per year under good conditions
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Foliage: Glossy, dark-green, feathered fronds in a tidy rosette; new flushes emerge lime-green then deepen
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Flowers: Non-flowering cycad — produces male or female cones on mature plants
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Seasonal Interest: Year-round evergreen structure; dramatic new frond flushes in late spring–summer
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Wildlife Value: Provides shelter/structure; cones may interest insects/birds (not a nectar plant)
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Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant
coastal-tolerant (second line); light–moderate frost (protect crowns from hard frost)
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Planting Density: Feature planting 1–1.5 m centres; in pots, use 40–50 cm+ diameter containers
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Pet Friendly: No — extremely toxic to pets (all parts, seeds especially); do not plant where pets chew
Where It Works Best
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Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (inland, give light afternoon shade for pristine fronds)
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Soil: Free-draining sandy or loamy soils; raised beds/mounds for heavier clay; avoid waterlogging
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Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 14–21 days in summer; sparingly in winter (let soil dry between waterings)
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Maintenance: Mulch lightly with gravel; remove old fronds at the base; feed in early spring with a slow-release palm/cycad fertiliser (includes Mn/Mg)
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Lifespan: 50-100+ years
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Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including sheltered coastal areas
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Soil pH: Acid to Neutral (tolerates slightly alkaline if drainage is sharp)
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Resort-style feature near entries and outdoor living spaces
- Container hero for courtyards and poolsides; pair with aloes, agaves and grasses
- Mass in gravel gardens for bold, low-water texture and year-round form
Why You Will Love It
An ultra-tough architectural classic: glossy fronds, a perfectly tidy silhouette, outstanding drought and heat tolerance, and decades of good looks — with almost no fuss once established.
